而 (ér) - and, but, yet, however & a conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or

而Tone 2

ér ｜ 6 strokes ｜ radical: 而

恩丰

而 · ér

and, but, yet, however;

a conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses;

also used in classical Chinese as a pronoun or adverb.

and, but, yet, howevera conjunction used to connect words, phrases, oralso used in classical Chinese as a pronoun

Usage highlights

and thenhoweverthusconsequentlyinsteadmoreover

Synonyms

  • 和— and (for nouns)
  • 而且— moreover, furthermore
  • 但是— but, however

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is tall and (而) strong.
  • She tried hard but (而) failed.
  • This is cheap, yet (而) of good quality.
  • The plan seems simple, however (而) it is difficult to execute.

Collocations

  • and then(而且)
  • however(然而)
  • thus(因而)
  • consequently(从而)
  • instead(反而)
  • moreover(而况)

Idioms

  • To fish in troubled waters(浑水摸鱼，趁火打劫)
  • To take advantage of a crisis for personal gain(趁火打劫)
  • To follow suit without thinking(人云亦云)
  • To change one's attitude completely(一反常态)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted a beard or whiskers in oracle bone script, but its meaning evolved to primarily function as a conjunction.
  • Extensively used in classical Chinese texts as a versatile connective particle.
  • In modern Chinese, it serves as a crucial logical connector in both written and spoken language.

FAQ